Learn more about your bi-weekly stipend and the various benefits awarded to City Year Chicago AmeriCorps members – both during and after service.
Plan & prepare
By prioritizing and planning, you can live in Chicago on your City Year stipend. The information and resources below will help you prepare for your year (or two) of service.
Your stipend
- You will receive a bi-weekly stipend of $1,023 (pre-tax).
- Stipends are electronically deposited directly to your bank account every other Friday! You will input your direct deposit information during your first week of service.
National benefits
In addition to your stipend, you’ll also receive health insurance, access to Employee Assistance and Talkspace Therapy programs, as well as relocation support.
Local benefits
We can offer some additional local benefits to support our AmeriCorps members serving and living in Chicago:
- Food assistance: We strongly encourage all City Year AmeriCorps members to apply for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, which helps reduce costs of living while on a stipend. At your Registration Day, you will receive a food stamps verification letter signed by our AmeriCorps member experience manager, Andrea Wolford. You will need to fill out an application online through Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you are approved, they will contact you about next steps for obtaining your card.
- Transit benefits: City Year Chicago and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have a collaborative partnership that was built with the vision of supporting emerging leaders and the city of Chicago. CTA provides AmeriCorps members with the opportunity to opt into receiving an unlimited CTA pass currently valued at $1,102.50 for an entire service year in exchange for additional service hours for the CTA. This pass allows AmeriCorps members to ride the “L” and buses for free, and CTA Ambassadors serve approximately 30 additional hours throughout the year.
- Mental health support: Adler Community Health Services partners with City Year Chicago to provide 1-on-1 mental health support to our AmeriCorps members.
Your student loans may be eligible for forbearance
You may be eligible to have the repayment of a qualified student loan temporarily postponed while you are serving. While a loan is in forbearance, the individual is not required to make payments. Learn more on AmeriCorps’ website to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.
Whether you are relocating or a longtime resident of Chicago, you will benefit by having a housing plan in place before service begins.
Keep yourself organized and ready for registration day.
Looking for more resources and information? We’ve got you covered.
